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 February 5, 2026, the average rent in Walnut Creek is $2,481, which is 0.9% 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

$2,203/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

36 Rentals

Lower Lakewood is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,203. Compare this to the city average of $2,481. In the past year, rent prices have decreased by 3%. Lower Lakewood provides easy access to North Concord Martinez Station, Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail, and Pleasant Hill Station. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 75.

Diablo Hills

Average Rent

$2,350/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

3.7%

TransitScore® Rating

26/100

Units Available

15 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 $2,350, while the city’s average stands at $2,481. In the last year, prices have increased by 3.7%. Diablo Hills is near Gardens at Heather Farm, Lafayette Station, and Pleasant Hill Station.

Heather Farms

Average Rent

$2,419/Month

Units Available

11 Rentals

Heather Farms is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in Heather Farms is $2,419 while the city average is $2,481. Residents enjoy convenient access to Diablo Valley, Pleasant Hill, Walnut Creek Station, and Ygnacio Plaza.

Hedgewood

Average Rent

$2,446/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

44 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Hedgewood. The average rent is $2,446, compared to the city average of $2,481. Hedgewood is convenient to Avalon Walnut Creek, Walnut Creek Station, and The Ruth Bancroft Garden. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 65.

The Keys

Average Rent

$2,600/Month

TransitScore® Rating

46/100

Units Available

18 Rentals

The Keys is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,600. Compare this to the city average of $2,481. The Keys provides easy access to Locust Street Mall, Mills College, and Gardens at Heather Farm. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 71.

Main Chance Estates

Average Rent

$2,911/Month

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

17 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek, Main Chance Estates might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $2,911, while the city’s average stands at $2,481. Main Chance Estates is near Larkey Park, UC Berkeley, and North Concord Martinez Station.

Downtown Walnut Creek

Average Rent

$2,987/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.4%

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

146 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 $2,987 while the city average is $2,481. This is a 0.4% difference from last year. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Francisco International, UC Berkeley, and Howe Homestead Park. The neighborhood is considered walkable with a WalkScore® of 91.

The Hill

Average Rent

$3,090/Month

TransitScore® Rating

35/100

Units Available

18 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out The Hill. The average rent is $3,090, compared to the city average of $2,481. The Hill is convenient to The Mercer, Lindsay Wildlife Museum, and Saint Marys Coll. of Calif.. The community is somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 52.

Buena Vista Area

Average Rent

$3,118/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

0.5%

TransitScore® Rating

42/100

Units Available

15 Rentals

Buena Vista Area is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $3,118. Compare this to the city average of $2,481. In the past year, rent prices have increased by 0.5%. Buena Vista Area provides easy access to Parkside Business Center, Saint Marys Coll. of Calif., and San Francisco International. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 57.

Almond Court

Average Rent

$3,337/Month

TransitScore® Rating

50/100

Units Available

35 Rentals

If you’re looking for a great, affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek, Almond Court might be the perfect place! It has an average rent price of $3,337, while the city’s average stands at $2,481. Almond Court is near Saint Marys Coll. of Calif., Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail, and Orinda Station.

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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.