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 January 2, 2025, the average rent in Walnut Creek is $2,450, which is 0.2% 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

$1,999/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1%

TransitScore® Rating

27/100

Units Available

4 Rentals

San Marcos is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in San Marcos is $1,999 while the city average is $2,450. This is a 1% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Butterfly Habitat Gardens, Heather Farm Park, and Howe Homestead Park. The neighborhood is considered car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 44.

Lower Lakewood

Average Rent

$2,221/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.8%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

41 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Lower Lakewood. The average rent is $2,221, compared to the city average of $2,450. Rent prices have increased by 2.8%. Lower Lakewood is convenient to Mills College, San Miguel Center, and Lar Rieu Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 75.

Diablo Hills

Average Rent

$2,321/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.8%

TransitScore® Rating

26/100

Units Available

13 Rentals

Diablo Hills is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,321. Compare this to the city average of $2,450. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 5.8%. Diablo Hills provides easy access to Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail, Lafayette Station, and The Ruth Bancroft Garden. It’s a car-dependent neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 39.

The Keys

Average Rent

$2,547/Month

TransitScore® Rating

46/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek, The Keys might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,547, while the city’s average stands at $2,450. The Keys is near Parkside Business Center, Walnut Creek Station, and Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail.

Saranap Area

Average Rent

$2,998/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.3%

TransitScore® Rating

4/100

Units Available

16 Rentals

Saranap Area is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Saranap Area is $2,998 while the city average is $2,450. This is a -0.3% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Mills College, UC Berkeley, and Saint Marys Coll. of Calif.. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 58.

Downtown Walnut Creek

Average Rent

$3,038/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1%

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

158 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Downtown Walnut Creek. The average rent is $3,038, compared to the city average of $2,450. Rent prices have decreased by 1%. Downtown Walnut Creek is convenient to Broadway Pointe, Saint Marys Coll. of Calif., and Lar Rieu Park. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.

The Hill

Average Rent

$3,328/Month

TransitScore® Rating

35/100

Units Available

19 Rentals

The Hill is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $3,328. Compare this to the city average of $2,450. The Hill provides easy access to Metro Oakland International, Larkey Park, and Concord Station. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 52.

Buena Vista Area

Average Rent

$3,877/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

1%

TransitScore® Rating

42/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek, Buena Vista Area might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,877, while the city’s average stands at $2,450. In the last year, prices have increased by 1%. Buena Vista Area is near San Francisco International, Saint Marys Coll. of Calif., and Metro Oakland International.

Ready to make your move to Walnut Creek? Check out the rent specials, price drops, and great deals on ApartmentFinder.com!

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.