The advice given you here so far is exactly right in my opinion. You might not know that outside of organized boroughs (AK has no counties) there is no property tax. So Prince of Wales, Tenakee, Gustavus, Hoonah, etc. have not property taxes. And of course AK has no state sales or income tax.
I urge you to research your ancestry and if possible sign up in a Native American tribe before you come. That will give you free health care, including eye care and dental, at modern BIA contractor facilities. You need a BIA card that says you are a member of an federally recognized tribe and you would do best obtaining one from the place you live now. Those cards are obtainable.
Coming by ferry and looking the place over is great advice; the ferry is inexpensive unless you bring a vehicle. Living on a boat could be a good idea if you're experienced on the water. Don't be discouraged by unavailability of large acreage to purchase. Don't expect anything to be inexpensive in any remote place, including Alaska. Coming in the spring so you have time to be settled by fall if you decide to remain in AK might be a good idea. To me, frugal living means burning free wood (free for the cutting and hauling), putting up enough salmon over the summer to get through the winter, having no utility bills, and having no property taxes. Food staples plus gasoline for hauling wood and harvesting food will require a major portion of that $1,000 per month. Thousands live in Southeast doing one variation or another of that. Register to vote as soon as you arrive.
