Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Walnut Creek, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Walnut Creek are Lower Lakewood, Diablo Hills, and Heather Farms. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Walnut Creek, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of March 23, 2026, the average rent in Walnut Creek is $2,500, which is 2.3% 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.

Lower Lakewood

Average Rent

$2,264/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

10%

Units Available

28 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 $2,264, while the city’s average stands at $2,500. In the last year, prices have decreased by 10%. Lower Lakewood is near Diablo Valley, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek, and North Concord / Martinez.

Diablo Hills

Average Rent

$2,419/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

5.6%

Units Available

11 Rentals

Diablo Hills is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Diablo Hills is $2,419 while the city average is $2,500. This is a 5.6% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to Saint Marys Coll. of Calif., Metro Oakland International, and Heather Farm Park.

Heather Farms

Average Rent

$2,419/Month

Units Available

11 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Heather Farms. The average rent is $2,419, compared to the city average of $2,500. Heather Farms is convenient to Avalon Walnut Creek, The Ruth Bancroft Garden, and San Francisco International.

The Keys

Average Rent

$2,606/Month

Units Available

21 Rentals

The Keys is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,606. Compare this to the city average of $2,500. The Keys provides easy access to North Concord / Martinez, Butterfly Habitat Gardens, and Mills College.

Hedgewood

Average Rent

$2,695/Month

Units Available

45 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek, Hedgewood might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,695, while the city’s average stands at $2,500. Hedgewood is near Lindsay Wildlife Museum, Larkey Park, and The Ruth Bancroft Garden.

Main Chance Estates

Average Rent

$2,703/Month

Units Available

20 Rentals

Main Chance Estates is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Main Chance Estates is $2,703 while the city average is $2,500. Residents enjoy convenient access to Larkey Park, Parkside Business Center, and Walnut Creek.

Buena Vista Area

Average Rent

$2,801/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.7%

Units Available

17 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Buena Vista Area. The average rent is $2,801, compared to the city average of $2,500. Rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Buena Vista Area is convenient to Diablo Valley, Pleasant Hill, Concord, and UC Berkeley.

Downtown Walnut Creek

Average Rent

$3,013/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.6%

Units Available

148 Rentals

Downtown Walnut Creek is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $3,013. Compare this to the city average of $2,500. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.6%. Downtown Walnut Creek provides easy access to Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail, Metro Oakland International, and Pleasant Hill / Contra Costa Centre.

The Hill

Average Rent

$3,137/Month

Units Available

28 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 $3,137, while the city’s average stands at $2,500. The Hill is near Metro Oakland International, Civic Park, and Pleasant Hill / Contra Costa Centre.

Almond Court

Average Rent

$3,224/Month

Units Available

38 Rentals

Almond Court is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Almond Court is $3,224 while the city average is $2,500. Residents enjoy convenient access to Walnut Creek, Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail, and Concord.

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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.