Germany isn't that much different, the federal government has a bit more power but generally people from one state differ much from another. Compare Berlin and Bavaria, if you want an example. Bavaria is one of the more expensive states to live in and Berlin is somewhat cheap (other former ostblock states are even cheaper) and on the other hand we have the highest average income and pay into the other federal states the most.

Cost of water, electricity and food differ between states. A Döner Kebab in Berlin costs around 3.50€ by my experience, in Bavaria a comparable one costs around 5-7€.

You can't easily say "Germans are like ___", most of the international stereotypes are born out of the WW2 occupation of bavaria, not much else.