I see all those articles encouraging Americans to save "at least 10% of your income", and to start with 100 bucks per month and gradually increase it to 10%. So I guess for this (I'm guessing Western educated) guy, saving 50% of his income is already super duper hyper frugal.

I think he must have earned a lot more than 13k though. Somebody who spends 5.5k/month just for RENT will certainly spend more than 1k for food and other stuff. Don't forget booze, entertainment, etc. etc. etc.