Price for a good breeder

Hi everyone! So, I’ve been looking at getting a lab (which will be my first dog) in the next year or so, and have been doing a lot of research. I’m located in the Midwest and have been looking at reputable breeders all over the region looking at English Labs. Originally I was looking at a budget of around $2,000 maybe $2,500 for the right breeder, but looking most of the English lab breeders I’m seeing are having dogs upwards of 3,500. Is it unrealistic for me to be looking around the $2,000 range?