HOUSTON -- Chances are high that you used a cell phone today, but as you chat it up, you're likely paying a lot.

Cell phones are abundant in today's society, allowing people to stay in touch with just a touch of a button.

But not many people enjoy getting their monthly bills, including Alice Melendez, who has been talking on her cell phone for the last 15 years.

"I know that from my own phone bill that prices have gone up," Melendez said.

According to a recent study, cell phone prices went up more in Houston than in any other city in America, making the Bayou City's cost per minute more than 37.36 cents.

The good news is that Houston still remains 3 cents lower than the most expensive city -- Cincinnati. The cheapest rates came in at 36.27 cents in Chicago. The national average was 37.39 cents.

While the price is high, people like Melendez said that the convenience is worth the price.

"As long as it's convenient to me, I guess I'm going to continue to use my phone, and I guess that's what the phone company wants me to say," Melendez said.

Marc Ostrofsky, an expert in the telecommunications business, said that there are more than 100 plans in Houston alone.

Ostrofsky said that people are willing to pay $5 more to keep their cell phone plan and number if it's already on their business cards and letter head, but he said that the best plan is to consider all the options.

"You can call into your cellular service and they will have a better plan than what you have every 60 to 90 days without a doubt," Ostrofsky said. "And if they don't, their competitor will and at some point, it makes a big enough difference to consider a change."

Another cell phone change may be affecting your rates. Sprint just moved back its off-peak hours. They used to start at 8 p.m., now they begin at 9 p.m. However, the changes typically only apply to new customers or those who change their contract.