Like the housing market, apartment rental prospects have transformed in recent years. Our expectations and desires have shifted, with renters searching for more space — often at a higher price tag. And, according to a new study from RentCafe, that’s especially tough in Boston.

Of the 100 largest cities in the U.S., Boston ranked at No. 99 when it came to affordable space — beating only Manhattan! A monthly budget of $1,500, on average, affords just a 340-square-foot apartment in the popular city.

However, according to RentCafe, the average Bostonian opts for something larger, paying $3,589 for 813 square feet of space.

Additionally, there are suburbs areas within the Boston metro offer less expensive alternatives. The cheapest is in Dover, in N.H., where $1,500 can get you 832 square feet of space, followed by Lawrence (781 square feet) and Brockton (755 square feet).

via RentCafe