Best Affordable Neighborhoods in Walnut Creek, CA
Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Walnut Creek are Lower Lakewood, The Keys, and Hedgewood. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Walnut Creek, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of December 22, 2025, the average rent in Walnut Creek is $2,442, which is 0.3% 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
$2,200/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
6.3%
TransitScore® Rating
37/100
Units Available
37 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 $2,200, while the city’s average stands at $2,442. In the last year, prices have decreased by 6.3%. Lower Lakewood is near Metro Oakland International, UC Berkeley, and Walnut Creek Station.
The Keys
Average Rent
$2,437/Month
TransitScore® Rating
46/100
Units Available
20 Rentals
The Keys is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in The Keys is $2,437 while the city average is $2,442. Residents enjoy convenient access to Concord Station, Civic Park, and Pleasant Hill Station. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 71.
Hedgewood
Average Rent
$2,467/Month
TransitScore® Rating
0/100
Units Available
47 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Hedgewood. The average rent is $2,467, compared to the city average of $2,442. Hedgewood is convenient to Concord Station, Heather Farm Park, and Kamian Plaza. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 65.
Saranap Area
Average Rent
$2,510/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.9%
TransitScore® Rating
4/100
Units Available
10 Rentals
Saranap Area is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,510. Compare this to the city average of $2,442. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 2.9%. Saranap Area provides easy access to Orinda Station, Old Times Bldg, and UC Berkeley. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 58.
Diablo Hills
Average Rent
$2,584/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
9.7%
TransitScore® Rating
26/100
Units Available
13 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 $2,584, while the city’s average stands at $2,442. In the last year, prices have increased by 9.7%. Diablo Hills is near Concord Station, Diablo Valley, Pleasant Hill, and Metro Oakland International.
Main Chance Estates
Average Rent
$2,675/Month
TransitScore® Rating
45/100
Units Available
17 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 $2,675 while the city average is $2,442. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Francisco International, UC Berkeley, and Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 67.
Heather Farms
Average Rent
$2,703/Month
Units Available
10 Rentals
When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Heather Farms. The average rent is $2,703, compared to the city average of $2,442. Heather Farms is convenient to Walnut Creek Station, The Ruth Bancroft Garden, and Howe Homestead Park.
Buena Vista Area
Average Rent
$2,859/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
0.7%
TransitScore® Rating
42/100
Units Available
19 Rentals
Buena Vista Area is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,859. Compare this to the city average of $2,442. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.7%. Buena Vista Area provides easy access to Pleasant Hill Station, Metro Oakland International, and Civic Park. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 57.
Downtown Walnut Creek
Average Rent
$2,896/Month
Year-Over-Year Rent Change
2.6%
TransitScore® Rating
45/100
Units Available
172 Rentals
If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek, Downtown Walnut Creek might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,896, while the city’s average stands at $2,442. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.6%. Downtown Walnut Creek is near Civic Park, Mills College, and Lar Rieu Park.
The Hill
Average Rent
$3,045/Month
TransitScore® Rating
35/100
Units Available
16 Rentals
The Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in The Hill is $3,045 while the city average is $2,442. Residents enjoy convenient access to The Mercer, Larkey Park, and Orinda Station. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 52.
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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.