What's the bar sizing on the Alaska like? I know a lot of people use them too.
I don't know where you are but here in the UK pets at home do a XL hamster cage for Syrians. Floor space of 486 which again is above the minimum albeit not by much. I have it for my robo and ive had no problems with it. It cost me £45 I think. Downside the maximum amount of bedding is 6 inches unless you put something up the bars to stop bedding getting out. It has more floor space than my bin cage and that was done by Wham
Can you get a second hand aquarium or find some old furniture like a dresser and modify it?