Right. I guess it depends on what your other expenses you have. For example, $2k out of that extra $3.5k would got to student loans for me. So spending $3.5k on rent just doesn't work. If you don't have student loans or any major debts sucking up your income then I envy you.
I'm pretty fortunate in that not only do I not have any debt, but my fuck you fund has enough for several months of full living/lifestyle costs. If I move back to my home country, then I have enough for two years.
Meanwhile, the average American couple would have less than $3.5k before paying, regardless of what their rent is.