This is something every country has (no matter where, all have a form of VAT and sales tax) but a majority of nations include VAT within the price of the product whilst in the US that’s calculated upon checkout (so technically you are not paying $789 for a steam deck since you add tax, so that amount alone isn’t final).
So in reality, it’s closer to $820 or a game that’s $80 ends up to $95 but are either purchases possible whilst earning $15 per hour? Take the PS5: it’s ¥97,980 inc. 10% CT ($603) while the same is $650 but closer to $680 or more when you add SALES TAX, you can buy the same console in Japan since taxes are included.
I’m sorry, but I really don’t understand your second paragraph. I think you’re saying that the PS5 list price in Japan (which includes tax) is about $50 lower than the US (not including tax). But I’m not sure how that translates to US defaultism or being “telling” of…something?