Sydney is famous for many things: pristine beaches, the glittering harbour and landmarks like the Opera House and the Harbour Bridge.

But since being crowned Australia's most unaffordable place to live, rumour has it that everyone living in the Emerald City has an escape plan.

So we asked our ABC audience if they're going to stick it out or leave the big smoke behind.

Some of you really can't wait to get out

Overwhelmingly you told us the combined high transport costs, skyrocketing commute times and living conditions are driving people away.

"We left Sydney seven years ago and it was the best decision we ever made. The stress of work and battling traffic for mediocre salaries meant our quality of life suffered. We could only ever afford to buy a small apartment or move very far from the city (where we worked). [Since moving] we've reclaimed hours each week in travel time, plus found employers with better conditions and work-life balance. — Susannah L

"Housing prices are unaffordable; I am 18 and there is no way I can or will be able to afford to rent let alone buy even a small apartment, even in the moderately distant future. It's ridiculous." — Emma G

"Sydney is too expensive, pretentious and in the inner suburbs where we used to live the sense of community is gone. We've bought an apartment in a new development in Penrith, where we are living until we find the right house or land to build on … that will become our forever home." — Caz B

Frustrated Sydney commuters often endure overcrowded platforms in peak times. ( ABC News: Clare Blumer )

"I've already left, and couldn't be happier. Five minutes to wherever I need to go, secure job, no traffic, and a wonderful community to live in." — Matt W

"Sydney feels like a trap. People go there because it's so busy and exciting, and then the cost of living means you're always behind on money. You end up desperately trying to enjoy yourself so any spare money disappears and you feel like you can't leave. I bought a van last December so I could live rent free and now I've moved up to Brisbane." — Louise U

"[We're] moving to Hobart in two weeks! Sick of traffic, overpriced and increasing high density housing with not enough green space." — Eve W

"I would like to leave, move to a regional area, and work remotely in my current role. [We] can't afford a house, travel time is over an hour and we never have enough time to enjoy any of the good things about living in Sydney." — Jodie B

Increasing housing density is one of the many reasons for people to look outside the city. ( David Gray, file photo: Reuters )

"[We] left to live in inland NSW for financial security and better lifestyle. [It was] the equivalent of downsizing but with a big upsize in the spare cash available for retirement." — Judith J

"I plan to leave Sydney for Germany in a couple of years, to experience something different. When I come back to Australia I'll probably end up in Melbourne because I'm not very attached to Sydney — too much of a stressful, self-interested vibe." — Sophie B

For some, leaving was the worst decision ever

"I left but now I'm back. Career opportunities brought me back here from Melbourne plus, in all honesty, it's a much nicer place to live. Sure Melbourne was nice but Sydney is just that little bit nicer." — Brendan F

"I left 10 years ago and totally regret the move. There's nowhere like Sydney. I rented in the inner west, Darlo and Kings Cross for over 20 years and I know I couldn't afford to live in those areas anymore but I'd rather live further out (e.g. Wollongong) than not live [in Sydney] at all. Will always regret the move … I keep trying to win that lottery where you win an inner city house — one day I'll come back for sure!" — Lindy S

Some of you worry about life after Sydney

It's not all bad in Sydney. ( ABC News: Nour Haydar )

"I would like to sell up and buy a big place in QLD on the beach and be mortgage free. The thing that's stopping me is FOMO from what Sydney has to offer." — Tom H

"I live on the Northern Beaches and I plan to spend my life here. I believe there is a limit to how built-up the suburbs can possibly get." — Ellis T

"I want to at least get a house [in Sydney]. Once you leave it becomes very difficult to come back." — Damian C

And some simply love living in Sydney

"My job simply doesn't exist anywhere except Sydney and Melbourne. I grew up here and love everything about the city, despite increasing costs and the decreasing likelihood I'll ever enter the property market." — Jacqui G

"I would like to leave one day but [I] am worried about finding work elsewhere." — Sharise W

Some people want to leave but don't have the same work opportunities outside the city. ( AAP: Jeremy Ng )

"We're staying in Sydney because all our family is here and we know and love this city. Best place to live without doubt — but not everyone can afford to live here when they are on a pension or lower income." — Ted T