Monthly Breakdown for Digital Nomads, Hybrid Workers, and Solo Wanderers

A lot of my friends asked — why on earth did I go to Alaska? And honestly, I’m not even sure. Back then, I was working remotely and figured I might as well travel to places I’d never been, popularity be damned.

I also had hopes of seeing the northern lights. I even booked a tour… but it was the tail end of the season, and the night I booked was guaranteed to be a no-go. I’ll forever be grateful the organisers reached out and cancelled it — it wasn’t cheap (around SGD300), and they could’ve easily blamed the weather and gone ahead. But they didn’t.

I expected to hibernate most of the time because honestly, there’s not a whole lot to do — but I still think about the food I had there to this day.

💰 Expenses Breakdown

🛏️ Accommodation: SGD2,200
→ A very small studio apartment (if you can call it that). Majorly disappointing — it wasn’t clean, looked nothing like the photos, and the “in-unit washer” was nonexistent. I had to walk two blocks in the snow to do laundry. 0/10, do not recommend.
🍽️ Food: ~SGD80/day
→ I went in expecting bland winter food… and left with pizza cravings I still dream about. Incredible snacks, beers, and bakes. Only downside? Tips in the US add up fast.
🚇 Transport: SGD100
→ I walked most of the time and only took the bus to and from the airport. Budget-friendly, at least.
💄 Grooming: SGD100
→ Walmart runs and a surprising number of consignment shop finds.

Total: ~SGD4,880 (excluding activities)

📌 You could do it on less with shared housing and groceries, but food is worth the splurge if you’re there short-term

🏡 Where to Stay in Anchorage

✔️ Midtown Area — I stayed here. Walkable to restaurants, cinemas, and supermarkets. But be warned: crime is real. I got circled a couple of times — would not recommend walking alone after dark.
✔️ Downtown Anchorage — Closer to tourist spots, decent cafes, and more foot traffic during the day.

🏠 Airbnb, Hotel, or Something Else?

✅ Airbnb pros: Easier for short stays (1–3 months), with WiFi and utilities usually included.
✅ Long-term rentals save 20–30%: If you’re staying 3+ months, renting locally is way more cost-effective.

📌 If convenience matters more than cost, Airbnb is still a solid choice — especially for winter when you want less hassle.

🍽️ Food and Dining in Anchorage (SGD80/day)

✔️ Hearth Artisan Pizza — Draft beer and beetroot honey pizza. Unassuming but legit one of the best pizzas I’ve had.
✔️ Fire Island Rustic Bakeshop — The peanut butter cookie sandwich changed my life. I felt guilty eating it… but it was winter, and I needed the calories, right? Right.
✔️ Bear Tooth Theatrepub — More countries need this. Watch movies while having restaurant food delivered straight to your seat. New releases, classics, chill vibes — perfection.

📌 Budget tip: Meals are pricier here, but totally worth it if you’re staying just a month.

🚕 Transport Costs (SGD100 for the Month)

✔️ Buses exist — but limited. I walked almost everywhere.
✔️ Car rental? Not sure I’d recommend unless you’re confident with winter roads and want to head out of town.

📌 Stay in well-lit areas and avoid being out alone at night. Safety first.

📶 Internet and Workspaces (SGD25)

✔️ WiFi at my rental was decent, but nothing amazing.
✔️ Cafes had usable internet — some better than others.

📌 Not the most digital nomad-friendly location, but it works if you’re planning to stay home most days.

🎟️ Where I Spent My Time in Anchorage

✔️ Chase the Northern Lights – I didn’t catch them — but if you’re there earlier in the season, book early and hope for clear skies.
✔️ Bear Tooth Theatrepub – Watch a movie and have dinner at the same time — solo traveller friendly, even if you’re the only Asian in the room (been there, still worth it).

🌟 Final Thoughts: Was SGD4,880 Worth It?

✔️ For a slow month filled with hibernation, great food, and peace? Yes.
✔️ Definitely not a budget destination, but not tourist-saturated either — which I liked.
✔️ Just be prepared for the cold, safety awareness, and doing a lot of things solo.

🙋‍♀️ Who This City is For

• Introverts who want snow + silence
• Travellers looking for something a little offbeat
• Food lovers who appreciate small-town gems