
Cheap Apartments for Rent in the San Marcos Neighborhood of Walnut Creek, CA from $1,500 (56 Rentals)
Search the lowest-cost Apartments available for rent right now in the San Marcos area of Walnut Creek.


1726 Crescent Dr

0000 Overlook Dr

eaves Walnut Creek

Newell Vista

Creekside Terrace

Park Regency Apartments

The Grove at Walnut Creek

Diablo Pointe Apartments

Castlewood Apartments
What Does “Rent Burdened” Mean? How Much Rent Is Too Much
Learn the official definition (spending 30% or more of your gross income on housing) and how to calculate your exact rent-to-income ratio. This guide offers expert tips on factoring in total housing costs (including utilities and fees) and budgeting accurately to avoid unnecessary financial strain.

Four Seasons Apartments

Avalon Walnut Ridge

The Arbors

The Retreat at Walnut Creek

Oak & Iron

Walnut Hill

The Meridian

2323 San Juan Ave

1305 Boulevard Way, Unit 105

1305 Boulevard Way, Unit 1305 Boulevard Way
Your Guide to Co-Signers: The Risks, Rewards, and Everything in Between
Thinking about getting a co-signer for your rental application? We break down what a co-signer is, the potential benefits, and the serious risks for both parties. Find out if it's the right choice for you.

Total Monthly Price
7011 Sunne Ln, Unit SI FL3-ID1502

Kingston Place Apartments

15Fifty5

Sandpiper Apartments

1196 Alta Vista Ct, Unit #1

1172 Saranap Ave

Vista Terrace Apartments

Shutters Apartments

Stoneridge Luxury Apartments

Park Place Apartments
Cash or credit? Understanding the Importance of Credit Score in Real Estate and Renting
Discover how your credit score impacts your ability to lease or buy a home. Learn how credit scores are determined, how to check yours, and strategies to improve it for real estate success.

Carmel Pines

Sunnyvale Terrace Apartments

Diablo Villa Apartments

Trinity Terrace Apartments

324 Parnell Ct

Ming Tree Apartments

Birchwood Apartments

155 Sharene Ln

Walnut Terrace

The Alterra
Roommate Matching: Finding the Right Fit and Avoiding Pitfalls
When searching for a roommate, follow this list of essential steps and set clear expectations to create a solid foundation for a harmonious living situation.

2562 Walnut Blvd

340 N Civic

Carmel House

Walnut Creek Apartments

Casa Sierra

1411 Creekside Dr

Ygnacio Village

Oak Terrace

470 N Civic Dr

Westcliffe Trail
How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Finding the right apartment starts with three things: location, cost, and amenities. Get the insider perspective from a real estate professional on how to nail all three.
San Marcos, Walnut Creek, CA Local Guide

How much does it cost to rent an apartment in San Marcos?
| Bedroom | Average Rent | Cheapest Rent | Highest Rent |
|---|---|---|---|
| San Marcos Studio Apartments | $2,341 | $1,800 | $3,564 |
| San Marcos 1 Bedroom Apartments | $2,570 | $1,715 | $4,955 |
| San Marcos 2 Bedroom Apartments | $3,188 | $2,235 | $5,330 |
| San Marcos 3 Bedroom Apartments | $4,406 | $3,204 | $5,702 |
Browse Apartments in this Neighborhood
There are currently 56 rentals with your search options within a 2 mile radius of the San Marcos Neighborhood of Walnut Creek, CA.
See all Apartments in Walnut CreekExplore Walnut Creek
San Marcos, Walnut Creek, CA Local Guide
- Nearby Walnut Creek neighborhoods
- Nearby Cities
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- School Districts
Cheapest Available San Marcos Apartments for Rent
 The cheapest available apartment rental in the San Marcos area of San Francisco, CA is a 1 Bed unit found at eaves Walnut Creek priced from $1,681. Diablo Oaks Apartments has the second lowest priced unit, which is a Studio apartment currently listed from $1,800. Here are the most affordable San Marcos apartments for rent in San Francisco, CA:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Priced From |
|---|---|---|---|
| eaves Walnut Creek | 601 | 1BR,1BA | $1,681 |
| Diablo Oaks Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,800 |
| Newell Vista | ne-stu | Studio,1BA | $1,822 |
| Park Regency Apartments | The Cambridge C2 | Studio,1BA | $1,831 |
| The Grove at Walnut Creek | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,882 |
| Castlewood Apartments | Studio | Studio,1BA | $1,900 |
| Diablo Pointe Apartments | Large One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $1,925 |
| Four Seasons Apartments | A - STUDIO 462 | Studio,1BA | $1,950 |
| Creekside Terrace | 1BD, 1BTH | 1BR,1BA | $1,989 |
| The Retreat at Walnut Creek | Studio | Studio,1BA | $2,048 |
Best Value Apartments for Rent in San Marcos, CA
As of June 14, 2026 the best value apartment in the San Marcos area is the $3.06 price per square foot 2Bed/2Bath Model at Geary Road Townhomes in the in the Gregory Gardens neighborhood starting from $3,825. The second greatest value San Marcos apartment is the 2x2 Model at Shutters Apartments starting at $2,350 with a $2.61 price per square foot in the Downtown Walnut Creek neighborhood. Here is today’s list of the best values for San Marcos apartments based on price per square foot:
| Apartment Listing | Model Name | Bed/Bath | Price Per Sq.Ft. |
|---|---|---|---|
| Geary Road Townhomes | 2Bed/2Bath | 2BR,2BA | $3.06 |
| Shutters Apartments | 2x2 | 2BR,2BA | $2.61 |
| Kingston Place Apartments | Cantabury | 2BR,1.5BA | $2.55 |
| Park Vista Apartments | Park Vista 2x1 | 2BR,1BA | $3.12 |
| Main Street Terrace | Two Bedroom | 2BR,1BA | $3.19 |
| Walnut Terrace | 1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.79 |
| Newell Vista | ne-1x1 | 1BR,1BA | $2.85 |
| Creekside Terrace | 1BD, 1BTH | 1BR,1BA | $3.06 |
| Diablo Pointe Apartments | Large One Bedroom | 1BR,1BA | $2.96 |
| eaves Walnut Creek | 601 | 1BR,1BA | $2.80 |
Don't Settle: How to Negotiate Your Apartment Lease and Save Money
Discover the insider tips from an attorney and real estate agent on how to negotiate your next apartment lease. Find out what's on the table and what's not, so you can save money and get the best terms possible.
Read ArticleReal Estate and Rental Term Glossary | ApartmentHomeLiving.com Renter University
From the letter A all the way to the letter Z, the Real Estate and Rental Term Glossary from the content team at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provides our visitors and shoppers with a little clarity and helpful guidance in navigating the real estate world through definitions and explainers for the top subjects and terms that someone may come across during the leasing, buying, or selling process.
Read ArticleQuick Rent Budget Calculator
How much rent can you afford?
The common "Rule of Thumb" is that rent should be no more than 30% of your income. How much is that? Enter your monthly income and click "Calculate My Budget" to find out.
Best Local Schools in San Marcos, Walnut Creek, CA
Indian Valley Elementary
Walnut Creek Intermediate
School data provided by Great Schools
Lifestyle Ratings
ApartmentHomeLiving brings you our detailed rental analysis called 'Lifestyle Ratings' - a comparison of rentals in areas across the United States, including Walnut Creek. Our Lifestyle Ratings help you zero-in on the perfect place to call home. This takes in many factors including searching for the best amenities, and outdoor amenities like tennis courts, apartment complexes for the kids, raising pets, transit options, and much more. These search options are in the site filters at the top of this page.
Frequently Asked Questions about Cheap San Marcos Apartments
What is a cheap apartment in San Marcos?
A cheap apartment is any apartment up to the 30% percentile of cost for the area, which in San Marcos is under $2,048.
What is the price of a cheap apartment in San Marcos?
The cheapest apartment in San Marcos is eaves Walnut Creek which is listed at $1,681, while the average apartment in San Marcos costs $3,813.
What types of apartments are the cheapest in San Marcos?
Student, low-income, and by-the-bed apartments are typically the cheapest rentals in most cities, though they require qualifying criteria to rent. There are 19 regular apartments in San Marcos that we think qualify as ‘cheap apartments’ that do not have special requirements to apply to rent.
Expert Rental Resources
The rental experts at ApartmentHomeLiving.com provide you with top advice, tools, and tips for understanding the leasing process and finding the perfect rental. Here are a few helpful rental and leasing articles from our experts to guide you on your search.
Helpful Local Expert Guides

A San Francisco Local Expert’s Guide to the Top Budget-Friendly Bay Area Neighborhoods to Rent
Written by: Shannon Hilson
If you’re anything like me, the thought of San Francisco is synonymous with concepts like creativity, character, and quirky local style.

Local Guide To the Best Student Friendly Neighborhoods to Rent Near Colleges in San Francisco
Written by: Shannon Hilson
Naturally, going away to college or university is super exciting in and of itself. It’s the prelude to the rest of your life, not to mention an unforgettable experience all its own.

Where to Live, Where to Work: Your Guide to Top Neighborhoods to Rent Near San Francisco's 5 Best Employers
Written by: Shannon Hilson
Deciding to move to San Francisco for work is a huge deal. San Fran is exciting and just weird enough to let you know you’re in for an amazing adventure, right from day one.

Bay Living Like a Local: The Insiders Guide to Life and Renting in San Francisco, CA
Written by: Shannon Hilson
San Francisco is so much more than just postcard-perfect views of cable cars and the Golden Gate Bridge.
Articles, How-To's, and Tips

How I Find the Perfect Rental for My Clients: A Real Estate Pro's Guide
Written by: Robin Stewart
Evaluating rental properties for clients draws many parallels to house-hunting. Whether an apartment, loft, townhouse, or other rental, finding the right place means finding “home” for your client.

Pet-Friendly Renting: Everything You Need to Know Before You Move
Written by: Christine Leonard, Esq.
For so many of us, pets are the best companions and a big part of our lives. For this reason, a pet-friendly house or apartment is often a very important - and nonnegotiable - part of a move.

Creative Ways Developers Reimagine Retail Spaces as Residential Units
Written by: Robin Stewart
Adaptive reuse is when a commercial property is converted and repurposed. The real estate industry has embraced a growing number of these projects.

Neighborhood and Market Insights: How to Choose the Right Area to Rent
Written by: Robin Stewart
Apartment-hunting can be a gargantuan task. Renters have a wish list of items—some luxuries, some necessities—but finding what you seek in the right place is perhaps the most important part of the journey.