Most Affordable Neighborhoods in Walnut Creek, CA

Some of the cheapest neighborhoods in Walnut Creek are Lower Lakewood, The Keys, and Saranap Area. These neighborhoods offer some of the lowest rent prices in Walnut Creek, making them ideal for renters on a budget. As of October 27, 2025, the average rent in Walnut Creek is $2,439, which is 0.1% 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

$2,248/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.2%

TransitScore® Rating

37/100

Units Available

32 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Lower Lakewood. The average rent is $2,248, compared to the city average of $2,439. Rent prices have decreased by 2.2%. Lower Lakewood is convenient to Butterfly Habitat Gardens, Howe Homestead Park, and San Miguel Center. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 75.

The Keys

Average Rent

$2,379/Month

TransitScore® Rating

46/100

Units Available

20 Rentals

The Keys is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,379. Compare this to the city average of $2,439. The Keys provides easy access to Mills College, Howe Homestead Park, and Gardens at Heather Farm. It’s a walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 71.

Saranap Area

Average Rent

$2,489/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

4.2%

TransitScore® Rating

4/100

Units Available

11 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 $2,489, while the city’s average stands at $2,439. In the last year, prices have increased by 4.2%. Saranap Area is near Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail, Civic Park, and Olympic Village.

Main Chance Estates

Average Rent

$2,519/Month

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

15 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 $2,519 while the city average is $2,439. Residents enjoy convenient access to Saint Marys Coll. of Calif., Walnut Creek Station, and Larkey Park. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 67.

Diablo Hills

Average Rent

$2,617/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

11.2%

TransitScore® Rating

26/100

Units Available

10 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Diablo Hills. The average rent is $2,617, compared to the city average of $2,439. Rent prices have increased by 11.2%. Diablo Hills is convenient to Ygnacio Plaza, Concord Station, and North Concord Martinez Station. The community is car-dependent with a WalkScore® of 39.

Hedgewood

Average Rent

$2,628/Month

TransitScore® Rating

0/100

Units Available

53 Rentals

Hedgewood is an affordable neighborhood in Walnut Creek with an average rent price of $2,628. Compare this to the city average of $2,439. Hedgewood provides easy access to Heather Farm Park, San Francisco International, and Los Medanos College, Pittsburg. It’s a somewhat walkable neighborhood with a WalkScore® of 65.

Downtown Walnut Creek

Average Rent

$2,996/Month

Year-Over-Year Rent Change

2.2%

TransitScore® Rating

45/100

Units Available

152 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 $2,996, while the city’s average stands at $2,439. In the last year, prices have increased by 2.2%. Downtown Walnut Creek is near Contra Costa Canal Regional Trail, UC Berkeley, and Broadway Pointe.

The Hill

Average Rent

$3,037/Month

TransitScore® Rating

35/100

Units Available

21 Rentals

The Hill is a top choice for budget-conscious renters for a variety of reasons. The average rent in The Hill is $3,037 while the city average is $2,439. Residents enjoy convenient access to San Francisco International, Concord Station, and UC Berkeley. The neighborhood is considered somewhat walkable with a WalkScore® of 52.

Almond Court

Average Rent

$3,470/Month

TransitScore® Rating

50/100

Units Available

38 Rentals

When you’re looking for a great Walnut Creek neighborhood on a budget, check out Almond Court. The average rent is $3,470, compared to the city average of $2,439. Almond Court is convenient to Mills College, Butterfly Habitat Gardens, and Diablo Valley, Pleasant Hill. The community is walkable with a WalkScore® of 89.

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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.