How a Cabbagetown violinist spends her $71,000 annual income
Laura Bates, 39, plays for the Junos and World Series while living on a modest budget in a one-bedroom Winchester Street apartment—rent, groceries, fitness and the costs of being a working musician.
Sources · local media reports
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Laura Bates is a 39-year-old violinist who lives in a one-bedroom apartment on Winchester Street with her rescue dog Taco, a gecko named after jazz legend Eric Dolphy, and Dolly Parton, a tarantula. She pays $1,633 a month in rent, though she can write off some of it because her living room doubles as a recording studio and classroom.
The past year has been a big one: Laura performed at the World Series with Pharrell Williams and at the Junos with Sarah McLachlan and Joni Mitchell. Still, making ends meet as an artist is always a challenge. "I live a comfortable lifestyle," she says, "but it sometimes feels impossible to get ahead." She earns roughly $71,000 a year.
Home insurance costs $13 a month. Gas and hydro run $131 a month on an equal billing plan. Cell and internet through Freedom Mobile are $108 a month. Groceries consume about $200 monthly—she shops at FreshCo and No Frills and used a food bank this year. Transportation costs $223 a month for taxis, Uber and transit; she prefers Beck taxis because they're still metered, though cycling brings the cost down in warmer months.
Dining out runs $345 a month, mostly happening on tour, with local favourite Falcha Fusion for momos. Fitness is her most extravagant regular expense at $271 a month—she works out at F45 Training Regent Park and loves the community, plus she swims at the Pam McConnell Aquatic Centre for free. Physiotherapy with Ryan Tracey at Active Medicine Toronto costs $120 a month. Pet care is $81 a month, though her ex recently covered Taco's vet bill.
She pays $7 a month for a Koho credit-building service and $15 a month for an Acorn Canada membership, reflecting her commitment to advocacy for people with low and moderate incomes after facing multiple evictions in her 20 years in Toronto. Union dues to the American Federation of Musicians are $20 a month—essential if she wants to work in the U.S. She allocates $469 a year to accounting services with Artbooks, which helped her through an audit. Instrument insurance is $17 a month, and violin strings cost $322 annually.
Recent splurges include a $113 salon visit to Headbangers and a $696 side trip to Amsterdam to recover from jet lag before touring Germany.
At a glance
Where does Laura Bates live in Toronto?
Laura Bates lives in a one-bedroom apartment on Winchester Street in Cabbagetown.
How much does Laura Bates earn annually?
Laura Bates earns roughly $71,000 a year as a violinist.
What major performances did Laura Bates do in the past year?
Laura Bates performed at the World Series with Pharrell Williams and at the Junos with Sarah McLachlan and Joni Mitchell.
