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 February 8, 2025, the average rent in Walnut Creek is $2,449, which is 0.3% lower 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

$2,021/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

TransitScore® Rating

27/100

Units Available

4 Rentals

San Marcos is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,021. Compare this to the city average of $2,449. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.3%. San Marcos provides easy access to Gardens at Heather Farm, Howe Homestead Park, and North Concord Martinez Station. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 44.

Lower Lakewood

Average Rent

$2,310/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

27 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek, Lower Lakewood might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,310, while the city’s average stands at $2,449. In the last year, prices have increased by 3%. Lower Lakewood is near The Corners, Walnut Creek Station, and Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail.

Diablo Hills

Average Rent

$2,331/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

7.5%

TransitScore® Rating

26/100

Units Available

14 Rentals

Diablo Hills is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Diablo Hills is $2,331 while the city average is $2,449. This is a -7.5% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Parkside Business Center, Gardens at Heather Farm, and Concord Station. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 39.

The Keys

Average Rent

$2,600/Month

TransitScore® Rating

46/100

Units Available

12 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out The Keys. The average rent is $2,600, compared to the city average of $2,449. The Keys is convenient to Saint Marys Coll. of Calif., UC Berkeley, and Butterfly Habitat Gardens. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 71.

Palos Verde Area

Average Rent

$2,950/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.4%

TransitScore® Rating

5/100

Units Available

1 Rentals

Palos Verde Area is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,950. Compare this to the city average of $2,449. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.4%. Palos Verde Area provides easy access to Gardens at Heather Farm, Lafayette Station, and Saint Marys Coll. of Calif.. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 59.

Saranap Area

Average Rent

$3,125/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

4/100

Units Available

14 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek, Saranap Area might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,125, while the city’s average stands at $2,449. In the last year, prices have decreased by 0.5%. Saranap Area is near Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail, Orinda Station, and Walnut Creek Station.

Downtown Walnut Creek

Average Rent

$3,324/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.9%

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

139 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 $3,324 while the city average is $2,449. This is a -0.9% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Orinda Station, Saint Marys Coll. of Calif., and Lafayette Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.

The Hill

Average Rent

$3,652/Month

TransitScore® Rating

35/100

Units Available

29 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out The Hill. The average rent is $3,652, compared to the city average of $2,449. The Hill is convenient to Metro Oakland International, Walnut Creek Station, and Diablo Valley, Pleasant Hill. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 52.

Buena Vista Area

Average Rent

$4,075/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1.3%

TransitScore® Rating

42/100

Units Available

13 Rentals

Buena Vista Area is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $4,075. Compare this to the city average of $2,449. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 1.3%. Buena Vista Area provides easy access to Butterfly Habitat Gardens, Parkside Business Center, and Civic Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood 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.