In many areas of the country, rents just keep increasing. Some renters may pay hundreds of dollars in higher rent over the next year, according to a new report. For example, Chicago renters could pay $948 more for their rent in the upcoming year, which is half a month’s worth of rent now, the study warns.

The rental market here in Utah continues to set historic records. Homeownership remains cheaper than renting in many areas across the Wasatch Front, with a traditional 30-year fixed rate mortgage.    The Provo/Orem, UT area is North America’s fastest-growing tech employment market since 2010, even surpassing San Francisco, according to a new report putting more pressure on housing in the area.

There are some people who have not purchased homes because they are uncomfortable taking on the obligation of a mortgage. Everyone should realize, however, that unless you are living with your parents rent-free, you are paying a mortgage – either yours or your landlord’s.

RentCafe looked at actual rents charged in the 252 largest U.S. cities and where rents are expected to rise. Cumulated price increases of this season have increased national rents by $25 compared to the pre-season average. Projected to a year, this means $300 more in rent for leases over the next 12 months, according to the study.  The cities that are seeing the fastest growth in rent are Queens, N.Y. (8.4%); Phoenix (6.9%); Las Vegas (6.1%); and Jacksonville, Fla. (5.7%).

Rents averaged $1,412 nationwide, a 3 percent increase year over year, according to data from Yardi Matrix. A separate study earlier this year from Harvard University’s Joint Center for Housing Studies found that nearly half of renters are already considered “cost-burdened,” because they devote more than 30 percent of their paycheck to housing costs.

Average Rental Prices & Increases in Salt Lake City, Orem & Provo, UT:

The average rent for an apartment in Salt Lake City is $1,088, a 1% increase compared to the previous year, when the average rent was $1,077.  Studio apartments in Salt Lake City rent for $802 a month, while 1-bedroom apartments ask on average $988 a month; the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,153. The average size for a Salt Lake City apartment is 861 square feet, but this number varies greatly depending on apartment type. A studio averages 413 sq. ft., while a one-bedroom apartment offers a more generous square footage: 685. 2-bedroom apartments in Salt Lake City have an average size of 978 sq. ft.

The average rent for an apartment in Orem is $1,209, a 4% increase compared to the previous year, when the average rent was $1,159.  Studio apartments in Orem rent for $945 a month, while 1-bedroom apartments ask on average $1,021 a month; the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,178. The average size for a Orem apartment is 947 square feet, but this number varies greatly depending on apartment type. A studio averages 576 sq. ft., while a one-bedroom apartment offers a more generous square footage: 749. 2-bedroom apartments in Orem have an average size of 993 sq. ft.

The average rent for an apartment in Provo is $1,311, a 7% increase compared to the previous year, when the average rent was $1,224.  Studio apartments in Provo rent for $698 a month, while 1-bedroom apartments ask on average $916 a month; the average rent for a 2-bedroom apartment is $1,191. The average size for a Provo apartment is 885 square feet, but this number varies greatly depending on apartment type. A studio averages 530 sq. ft., while a one-bedroom apartment offers a more generous square footage: 630. 2-bedroom apartments in Provo have an average size of 907 sq. ft.