Australia's housing, inflation crises lead grandmother to flee to South America, and she's not sure if she'll return

Mabel Stephens says the cost of living and housing crises forced her to move back to Chile, the country of her birth. (Supplied: Mabel Stephens)

Mabel Stephens can't believe she's had to leave her family in Australia for a more affordable life in South America. 

The 65-year-old Gold Coast grandmother, who has lived in Australia for more than three decades, said the cost-of-living crisis and an incredibly tight rental market forced her to leave the country.