I think due to the environment the norther states have more expenses. We always need equipment for cold and hot seasons. Plus the extra maintenance and storage that comes with it. Cold is harder on the body especially as it ages. May have more health risks with that. Not having a lot of green and bare trees more than half the year may affect peoples moods more negatively especially if you are more of a spring/summer/green growth person.
The lack of green and the non-stop cloudiness certainly effects moods and causes seasonal depression.