More young Australians are living at home with their parents into early adulthood, but it's not just high house prices being blamed for the trend.

Key points: Young men are more likely to live at home than women

Young men are more likely to live at home than women Cultural backgrounds influence the likelihood of staying home

Cultural backgrounds influence the likelihood of staying home Reasons for living at home extend to relationships and education

A touch over 43 per cent of those aged 20 to 24 lived with their parents in 2016, compared with 36 per cent in 1981. There was a rise among those aged 25-29 and 30-34 as well.

The Australian Institute of Family Studies (AIFS) has recently analysed the data to reveal the trends across city and country, men and women, and even cultural backgrounds.

It found young men were more likely to stay home than women — particularly in capital cities — but the factors were more varied than just cost of living.

"Young adults are also now staying in education longer [and] their employment tends to be less secure, so the income is not as stable," AIFS director Anne Hollonds said.

"We're delaying partnering these days. We're not settling down into our own households until around the age of 30.

"So really, the 20s are a decade of transition these days compared to how it was a few decades ago."

In 2016, 50 per cent of young men and 43 per cent of young women in our capital cities lived at home, compared with 42 per cent and 31 per cent respectively in regional areas.

ABC audiences have responded with their own stories, revealing how the country-city divide can be both a blessing and curse.

"You can only stay home if there are employment and education opportunities available near your parents," Skye said.

"Not privileged to be born in a city? Have to move."

Mel echoed the sentiments.

"My 20-year-old has been out on her own for two years, but came back home last week," she said.

"Brisbane city living is too expensive; however, we live more rurally [and there are] not many jobs available."

Cultures change the data

The AIFS found cultural backgrounds also influenced the likelihood of young people living at home for longer.

"Among young adults born in Australia, those with Asian, Middle Eastern, African or Southern and Eastern European ancestry are more likely to live with their parents, compared to those with Australian, Northwestern European or New Zealand backgrounds," researcher Lixia Qu said.

"Among young adults born overseas, the numbers living with their parents fell between 2001 and 2011, particularly those in the 20-24-year-old age group.

"This trend reflects booming international education in Australia and greater numbers of unaccompanied international students living here."

ABC audiences have shared their own experiences of a full house, with their stories revealing the decision is not always by choice.

What the parents say:

"My eldest son has been a typical boomerang kid. He had a few attempts at moving out, but insecure casual work makes long-term commitments difficult. He gets full-time work usually, but if he's sick or injured there's no security and no income." — Ozzy

"I'm a parent of young adults who have both moved out and back. It's mainly the cost of renting and electricity. It's also very hard for young people to compete in the rental market, especially with insecure income." — Anon

"Both our sons, 25 and 30, had to move home ... Until they get well-paying jobs — one just finished his degree, the other midway through and a single dad — they will be here for longer." — Marcus

"Our twin girls lived with us until 26 years old while they built a house together. Our eldest daughter, son-in-law and grandson lived with us for nine months while building a new house. They are welcome back for short terms and they visit every weekend. We love our time alone together, too." — Katie

"Our son is 24 this year. He went overseas for a year and a half and now has moved back. We love having him home. He supports his younger brother and functions as an active member of our household. I love having my family together." — Megan

What the children say:

"I would be spending all of my income on rent if I moved out, and I want to save for a deposit. I only just started working full-time after graduating last year so I've got some catching up to do." — Carlina