More expensive tires will be made of better materials. You'll get better ride quality,better handling/traction,and better puncture protection.

My favorite commuting tires are Schwalbe Marathon Supremes. They're $45+ a tire,but I've found them to be worth it. They ride nice,I've picked numerous bits of FOD out of the treads with zero flats,and I've gotten air under my rear tire twice panic breaking down hills(once in the rain) without wiping out. I've used cheaper tires that have worked ok,but none gave me the level of performance I've gotten from the Supremes.

For what you're looking for,it's best to look up reviews of different tires to see what people's experiences have been with them. There are many factors that make a tire suited for a purpose. Also to consider is load. A 100lbs rider on a full carbon road bike will be putting less stress on their tires than a 200lbs rider on a loaded cargo or touring bike. Look for reviews from riders who are similar to you.