I agree with both PTP and Dechi. Ethical breeders are not trying to expliot buyers due to Covid.
In my area ( Virginia/North Carolina ) the average price for a puppy from an ethical breeder is about $1,800 and has remained stable. That is a pet puppy.
I got very lucky with my Sammy, not just in price ( he was half that), but in the dog that I got. His breeder was not a backyard breeder, but she was definately not up to par with what is recommended here. She was an older lady with two pets ( health certified) that she breed once a year and she seemed very informed ). My Sammy was the sole remaining puppy when she advertised. I thank God every day that the previous adopters did not chose him. He might not win any conformation titles ( or he might, to me he is perfect )
You can get very lucky.
One thing I was worried about was that poodles have a reputation of being yappy. When I arrived at his original, very rural home, the parent dogs did not bark at all. The sire and dam were very well behaved and even tempered. They were not over enthusiastic for visitors ( jumping on us, barking, happy to have someone visit), but they were not unwelcoming ( came for pets, no expression of fear at all). Just very nice. calm dogs. If you go this route, pay good attention to the parent dogs.
I understand the price issue and not wanting to bring that up first. It is huge, when some people are charging so much now. And, you do not want to invest too much of yourself, in a puppy that may be out of your abilitiy. Good breeders want to know a bit about you. After you talk to a few people, it will become obvious to you which ones are only concerned about money and which ones really care. It may ( or may not now) be a little more initially, to get your puppy from a great/good breeder, in the long run, it most likely will save you money.
Also, some good breeders are offended by people that ask price first. I recommend discussing what you want from a dog ( personality/temperament etc.) and getting to know the breeder a bit. Usually in the 2nd or 3rd conversation I have had with the breeder, they tell me the price and it's never way astronomical. Your budget of $2500 should be more than adequate for a wonderful pet poodle.