$1000 bucks can get you decent living standards in developing countries. But I would not say by a long shot he is in the top 5% by any standard.

Developing countries main characteristic is the huge disparity between the haves and have-nots, which of course, leads to emigration and crime among other issues. Countries with a large middle class therefore are relatively better off.

In any case, making $4000 per month or more is what'll get you royalty style living in those countries.