ILM
I'm sure if you show you've got the "Right Stuff" you could move from
games to film effects. The thing is getting your foot in the door.
If you land a 3DS job in games at LucasArts I'm sure the pay will be
VERY good. The highest rates I ever made were at ILM, but this was
Union film electrician (lighting) rates, not computer stuff. As for
rent in San Rafael or San Francisco, or wherever… it's REALY, REALY
expensive. Marin and SF have some of the highest rents in the
country, just under Manhattan and Hawaii. Typically you'll find one
bedroom apartments of liveable quality anywhere from $500-$2000 per
month. Most people I know live with roommates in a larger apartment
or house, and pay a little less that way. If you're working at ILM
you won't have a problem making rent, unless you're an intern.