Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Walnut Creek, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Walnut Creek are San Marcos, Lower Lakewood, and Diablo Hills. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Walnut Creek, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 11, 2025, the average rent in Walnut Creek is $2,473, which is 0.7% higher than last year. However, it's important to remember that rental prices can vary significantly based on factors such as location, amenities, and floor plans.

San Marcos

Average Rent

$2,001/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

TransitScore® Rating

27/100

Units Available

6 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out San Marcos. The average rent is $2,001, compared to the city average of $2,473. Rent prices have increased by 1.4%. San Marcos is convenient to Automotive Center, Mills College, and Heather Farm Park. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 44.

Lower Lakewood

Average Rent

$2,208/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.3%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

30 Rentals

Lower Lakewood is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,208. Compare this to the city average of $2,473. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 3.3%. Lower Lakewood provides easy access to Lar Rieu Park, Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail, and Civic Park. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 75.

Diablo Hills

Average Rent

$2,330/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

7.5%

TransitScore® Rating

26/100

Units Available

14 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek, Diablo Hills might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,330, while the city’s average stands at $2,473. In the last year, prices have decreased by 7.5%. Diablo Hills is near Saint Marys Coll. of Calif., Gardens at Heather Farm, and Diablo Valley, Pleasant Hill.

The Keys

Average Rent

$2,688/Month

TransitScore® Rating

46/100

Units Available

22 Rentals

The Keys is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in The Keys is $2,688 while the city average is $2,473. Residents enjoy convenient access to Civic Park, Locust Street Mall, and UC Berkeley. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 71.

Palos Verde Area

Average Rent

$2,750/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

TransitScore® Rating

5/100

Units Available

1 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Palos Verde Area. The average rent is $2,750, compared to the city average of $2,473. Rent prices have increased by 1.4%. Palos Verde Area is convenient to Diablo Valley, Pleasant Hill, Saint Marys Coll. of Calif., and San Francisco International. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 59.

Saranap Area

Average Rent

$2,963/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.9%

TransitScore® Rating

4/100

Units Available

14 Rentals

Saranap Area is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,963. Compare this to the city average of $2,473. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.9%. Saranap Area provides easy access to Olympic Village, Concord Station, and San Francisco International. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 58.

The Hill

Average Rent

$3,002/Month

TransitScore® Rating

35/100

Units Available

31 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek, The Hill might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,002, while the city’s average stands at $2,473. The Hill is near Locust Street Mall, Metro Oakland International, and Larkey Park.

Downtown Walnut Creek

Average Rent

$3,181/Month

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

158 Rentals

Downtown Walnut Creek is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Downtown Walnut Creek is $3,181 while the city average is $2,473. This is a -0% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to The Mercer, Lafayette Station, and Howe Homestead Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.

Buena Vista Area

Average Rent

$3,797/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

TransitScore® Rating

42/100

Units Available

9 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Buena Vista Area. The average rent is $3,797, compared to the city average of $2,473. Rent prices have increased by 1.4%. Buena Vista Area is convenient to Walnut Creek, Butterfly Habitat Gardens, and San Francisco International. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 57.

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Methodology

Transit Score measures access to public transit. Scores range from 0 (minimal transit) to 100 (rider’s paradise). Learn more about the Transit Score methodology. Rental data is sourced from CoStar Group’s Market Trend reports. As a leading authority in commercial real estate information, analytics, and news, CoStar performs in-depth research to build and sustain an extensive database of commercial real estate insights.

We've combined this data with public records to provide the most current rental information available.