The Complete Guide to Cost of Living in Costa Rica for Expats (2026)

Moving to a tropical paradise often comes with the expectation that island-style living automatically equates to bargain-basement prices. Many foreigners arrive expecting Central American pricing, only to realize that grocery bills, imported electronics, and utility bills can rival or even exceed costs back home. This comprehensive guide breaks down the true financial realities of daily life across different regions, helping you build an accurate, realistic budget for your transition to life in the tropics.

Housing and Rental Costs Across Popular Expat Regions

Housing represents the single largest variable in any expat budget. Property pricing across the country fluctuates dramatically based on location, proximity to international schools, ocean views, and whether a property caters primarily to short-term tourists or long-term foreign residents. Securing long-term housing requires understanding local market dynamics and knowing where regional price surges occur.

Central Valley Living in San Jose Escazu and Atenas

The Central Valley remains the commercial and administrative heart of the country, offering cooler mountain temperatures, modern amenities, and access to major medical facilities. Suburbs like Escazu and Santa Ana are renowned for high-end gated communities, high-density luxury condominiums, and international dining options. Long-term rentals in these upscale suburban pockets command premium rates, especially for fully furnished units with air conditioning, dedicated parking, and round-the-clock security services.

If you venture slightly further west into towns like Atenas or Grecia, rental rates soften while maintaining a comfortable climate and access to expat networks. In these mid-elevation agricultural hubs, you can often secure spacious single-family homes with private gardens and valley views for significantly less than a two-bedroom apartment in western San Jose. However, property searchers should note that landlords in high-demand expat hubs frequently quote rentals in United States dollars, insulating themselves from currency swings, whereas homes marketed primarily to local families are usually priced in colones. Exploring options outlined in Understanding the Best Towns and Regions for Expats in Costa Rica will give you a clearer picture of how geographic elevation and community infrastructure shape local housing markets.

When settling into the Central Valley, lease agreements generally span a minimum of one year. Short-term or month-to-month arrangements exist but carry substantial monthly markups. Gated communities, known locally as condominios, also levy monthly homeowners association dues that cover common area landscaping, pool maintenance, and security guards. Ensure your rental contract clearly defines whether these HOA fees are included in the advertised monthly rent or added as an out-of-pocket surcharge.

Coastal Living in Tamarindo Nosara and the Pacific Coast

Living near the ocean brings incredible sunsets and an outdoor lifestyle, but coastal real estate operates under unique financial pressures. Popular beach towns like Tamarindo, Nosara, Playas del Coco, and Manuel Antonio draw steady streams of short-term vacationers. Consequently, property owners can often earn more through holiday rentals than long-term leases, driving up overall rental inventory costs for full-time residents.

In beach hotspots, rental prices spike considerably for properties located within walking distance of the shore. High ambient temperatures require continuous air conditioning usage, which indirectly impacts property wear and tear and leads landlords to price maintenance into rental agreements. Long-term renters in coastal zones often find better value by looking ten to fifteen minutes inland from the beach, where traditional residential neighborhoods offer lower baseline rents and quieter surroundings.

Furthermore, coastal infrastructure costs can be higher due to salty air corrosion, high humidity, and increased water consumption during dry season months. When evaluating long-term leases along the Gold Coast or the Nicoya Peninsula, clarify which utilities remain in the landlord’s name and whether electricity caps are stipulated within the lease agreement. Reviewing The Complete Guide to Renting a Home in Costa Rica (2027) can help you spot potential red flags before committing to a lease on the coast.

Key Contractual Costs Deposits and Rental Terms

Navigating a lease agreement involves administrative costs that must be factored into your startup budget. Under local tenancy laws, the standard security deposit is equivalent to one month’s rent. Landlords are legally required to hold this deposit to cover potential damages beyond normal wear and tear, though reclaiming deposits upon move-out can sometimes be a contentious process requiring detailed inventory photo documentation.

Rent adjustments are strictly regulated by national tenancy legislation. For leases denominated in US dollars, landlords generally cannot increase the rent during the initial contract term unless explicitly agreed upon in writing for multi-year renewals. For leases denominated in local currency, annual increases are capped by national inflation indices monitored by government consumer protection agencies.

Before signing, ensure you understand who pays for minor home repairs, appliance servicing, and routine maintenance like lawn care or pool chemical balances. Many foreign residents choose to hire a local legal professional to review lease contracts to ensure clauses conform to national housing regulations, avoiding unexpected lease termination fees or disputed security deposits down the line.

Essential Monthly Utilities and Infrastructure Services

Utility expenses can catch newcomers entirely off guard. While public water supply remains relatively inexpensive, grid electricity and high-speed communications require careful budget allocation, particularly if your lifestyle demands central air conditioning or heavy streaming bandwidth.

Electricity Bills with ICE and Air Conditioning Usage

Electrical service across the country is primarily provided by state-run utility companies like the Instituto Costarricense de Electricidad and regional cooperatives. Monthly electricity tariffs are tiered, meaning the cost per kilowatt-hour increases as your overall consumption moves into higher usage brackets. As a result, running multiple split-system air conditioners all day in a large home can easily double or triple your monthly utility outlay compared to a home relying on natural cross-breezes and ceiling fans.

Residents living in warm coastal zones often discover that air conditioning accounts for over half of their monthly electrical expenses. To manage these operational costs, many expats adopt energy-efficient habits, such as utilizing inverter-style air conditioning units, setting thermostats to moderate temperatures, and turning off cooling units in unoccupied rooms. Reading through How to Set Up Electricity (ICE/CNFL) in Your Costa Rican Home offers practical advice on reading utility bills, understanding consumption tiers, and managing service accounts directly.

In addition to cooling costs, electricity prices include mandatory distribution tariffs and national fire department levies. Electrical outages can occur during the tropical green season when heavy rain and lightning impact rural distribution lines. Purchasing surge protectors for valuable personal electronics and home appliances is considered an essential preventative expense for home preservation.

Water Supply with AyA and Waste Management

Municipal water supply is managed predominantly by the Instituto Costarricense de Acueductos y Alcantarillados alongside local municipal boards known as ASADAS. Tap water quality is generally high in the Central Valley and urban centers, meaning most residents drink directly from the tap without needing expensive bottled delivery services.

Monthly water bills remain among the most affordable household expenses, provided there are no undetected leaks on the property. However, large estates with private swimming pools, extensive landscaped gardens requiring daily dry-season irrigation, or multi-unit residential properties will see higher tiered rates. Landlords usually handle primary water meter registration, passing the monthly usage statement directly to the tenant.

Waste collection services are administered at the municipal level and are typically wrapped into annual property tax assessments or billed directly through local government infrastructure fees. In many rural and beach communities, private recycling initiatives and composting solutions complement municipal trash collection, requiring a nominal voluntary contribution to community environmental organizations.

High Speed Internet Cable and Mobile Connectivity

Telecommunications infrastructure has expanded significantly, with fiber-optic internet availability spreading throughout major urban hubs and coastal towns. Major telecom providers offer bundled packages combining high-speed home fiber, cable television, and landline services. Speeds are generally reliable enough for remote professionals, software developers, and video streaming households.

Mobile phone coverage is extensive, operating on advanced 4G networks across almost all inhabited regions. Mainstream service providers offer competitive postpaid monthly contracts as well as pay-as-you-go prepaid SIM cards. When first arriving in the country, maintaining flexible mobile connectivity is essential while setting up permanent local accounts. Services like Airalo allow incoming expats and travelers to install an eSIM instantly onto their smartphone, maintaining active data coverage the moment they land without hunting down a physical kiosk at the airport.

For long-term residents, establishing a home fiber connection requires presenting valid identification, a formal lease agreement, and a utility bill demonstrating physical address proof. If you live in a rural valley or remote coastal sector, point-to-point wireless internet or satellite installations serve as reliable alternatives when underground fiber infrastructure has not yet reached your street. For a complete breakdown of carrier packages, refer to How to Choose a Mobile and Internet Provider in Costa Rica.

Grocery Expenses Shopping Options and Food Budgeting

Food shopping highlights the clear economic divide between imported Western goods and locally grown produce. Expats who adjust their diet to seasonal fruits, vegetables, and regional staples find their money goes much further than those who attempt to replicate a suburban North American pantry.

Grocery Category	Local Market / Feria	Imported / Premium Market
Fresh Produce (Fruits/Veg)	Very Low Cost	Moderate to High Cost
Local Dairy & Eggs	Low Cost	Moderate Cost
Fresh Meats & Seafood	Moderate Cost	High Cost
Imported Snacks & Cereals	Not Available	Very High Cost
Specialty Foreign Ingredients	Not Available	Premium Cost

Imported Goods vs Local Staples at Auto Mercado and MasxMenos

Supermarket chains cater to distinct socio-economic demographics and shopping preferences. Auto Mercado is the premier upscale supermarket chain, renowned for broad clean aisles, foreign wine selections, gluten-free items, European cheeses, and recognized North American brand names. However, because imported manufactured goods carry heavy customs duties and shipping tariffs, fill your cart at Auto Mercado with foreign brands and your final bill will reflect premium pricing.

Mid-tier retail supermarkets such as MasxMenos and Walmart offer a balanced middle ground, stocking a mix of national brands, domestic agricultural products, and basic household supplies at moderate prices. Discount grocery chains like Palí and Maxi Palí provide basic household necessities, pantry staples, and lower-priced goods aimed at budget-conscious local shoppers.

To manage your monthly grocery allocation effectively, split your shopping routine. Purchase imported specialty items, specific baking ingredients, or foreign condiments at specialty stores, while sourcing everyday items like rice, beans, milk, local coffee, and cleaning products from national supermarket chains or local neighborhood corner stores (pulperías).

Saving Money at the Weekly Feria del Agricultor

The ultimate secret to reducing food overhead is shopping at the weekly Feria del Agricultor. Virtually every town holds a farmer’s market on Friday afternoons, Saturdays, or Sundays, where regional farmers bring fresh harvests directly to consumer stalls. Shopping at the feria allows you to buy fresh produce, artisanal cheeses, farm eggs, herbs, and flowers at a fraction of supermarket prices.

Beyond raw financial savings, the feria provides an immersive cultural experience and an opportunity to practice conversational Spanish with local vendors. Produce is harvested at peak ripeness, offering superior flavor and shelf life compared to items transported through lengthy commercial distribution chains.

A weekly visit to the local farmer’s market can easily cut a household’s fruit and vegetable expenditures in half. Bringing reusable cloth bags, carrying small denomination local currency notes, and arriving early in the morning ensures access to the best selection of organic tropical fruits, root vegetables, greens, and fresh seafood catches.

Dining Out From Local Sodas to High End International Restaurants

Dining out options range from small, family-run traditional eateries known as sodas to upscale international fusion restaurants in major tourist and expat centers. A traditional meal at a local soda features the iconic casado—a balanced plate containing rice, black beans, plantains, side salad, and a choice of protein such as grilled chicken, fish, pork, or beef. Sodas offer wholesome, high-volume meals at extremely economical prices.

In contrast, dining at international restaurants, artisan bakeries, sushi bars, or steak houses in Escazu, Manuel Antonio, or Tamarindo carries pricing comparable to major Western cities. Restaurant bills automatically include two mandatory line items under national business regulations: a 13% Value Added Tax (IVA) and a 10% service charge (propina).

Understanding these mandatory additions prevents surprises when the final bill arrives. While the 10% service charge covers basic gratuity, customers frequently leave an additional tip in cash for exceptional service. Balancing casual weekday meals at local sodas with occasional weekend visits to upscale establishments allows expats to enjoy the culinary scene without overshooting their monthly dining budget.

Healthcare Expenses and Coverage Systems

Access to reliable, high-quality medical care is a primary draw for foreign retirees and digital nomads. The nation operates a dual healthcare framework consisting of a comprehensive public health system alongside a world-class private medical sector.

Public Healthcare Costs Through the Caja System

The public healthcare infrastructure, officially named the Caja Costarricense de Seguro Social but universally called the Caja, provides universal medical, surgical, dental, and pharmaceutical coverage to enrolled residents. Foreign residents holding approved legal residency categories are legally required to enroll in the Caja and pay monthly contributions based on declared income levels.

Once enrolled in the public system, medical care, emergency room visits, specialist consultations, diagnostic imaging, hospital stays, and prescribed medications are covered without co-payments or deductible limits at point of service. Monthly contribution amounts are calculated as a percentage sliding scale based on your declared income category. To calculate your estimated contribution obligation accurately, refer to Understanding How Caja Contributions Are Calculated in Costa Rica.

While the public health system offers exceptional long-term value and preventative care, it faces operational challenges including administrative wait times for non-emergency elective procedures and specialist referrals. Consequently, many foreign residents utilize the Caja as a primary coverage safety net for major emergencies or long-term prescription coverage while using private clinics for immediate consultations.

Private Healthcare Direct Pay and Insurance Options

The private healthcare sector is centered around accredited modern hospitals in San Jose, including CIMA Hospital, Clínica Católica, and Hospital Metropolitano, along with affiliated urgent care centers in coastal regions. Private medical facilities feature bilingual physicians, state-of-the-art diagnostic technology, comfortable private rooms, and minimal wait times for appointments.

Out-of-pocket costs for private consultations remain significantly lower than comparable out-of-pocket medical fees in North America. Expats can pay directly out of pocket for routine specialist visits, diagnostic bloodwork, dental cleanings, or ultrasounds without breaking the bank. For deeper insights into selecting between public and private options, consult Public vs Private Healthcare in Costa Rica: Which Should Expats Choose?.

To mitigate unexpected private medical liabilities or major surgeries, foreign residents often purchase local private health insurance through the Instituto Nacional de Seguros (INS) or maintain international private health policies. Premium amounts vary according to applicant age, medical history, deductible selections, and chosen coverage limits.

Pharmacy Costs and Prescription Availability

Pharmacies (farmacias) are widely accessible across urban and rural communities. Local pharmacists hold legal authority to evaluate minor ailments and dispense many medications directly over the counter without a physician’s written prescription, saving consumers time and clinical consultation fees.

Generic medications manufactured in Latin America are generally affordable and widely stocked. However, imported brand-name medications imported from North America or Europe carry higher retail price tags due to pharmaceutical import taxes and distributor margins.

Expats who rely on daily brand-name prescriptions should verify whether exact equivalent formulas are available locally or if suitable bioequivalent generic alternatives exist. Many foreign residents choose to receive routine long-term maintenance prescriptions through the public Caja network once their residency and enrollment procedures are complete, reducing ongoing prescription expenditures.

Transportation Costs Cars Buses and Commuting

Getting around requires choosing between owning a personal vehicle or relying on the extensive public transportation grid. Automobile ownership provides freedom to explore off-grid mountain trails and remote beaches, but comes with significant taxes, registration requirements, and fuel expenses.

Expense Category	Owning a Used Vehicle	Relying on Public Transport
Initial Startup Capital	High (Purchase cost & transfer)	Minimal (Bus fare / app downloads)
Monthly Recurring Overhead	Moderate to High (Gas, insurance)	Low (Fixed per-ride fares)
Annual Administrative Fees	High (Marchamo & Riteve/Dekra)	None
Maintenance & Repair Risk	High (Rough road wear & tear)	None
Schedule & Route Flexibility	Complete Independence	Fixed Routes & Schedules

Buying Maintaining and Insuring a Vehicle in Costa Rica

Purchasing a vehicle carries higher initial costs than many foreigners anticipate. Heavy import tariffs on automobiles keep used vehicle prices surprisingly high across the country. Reliable four-wheel-drive SUVs hold their resale value exceptionally well due to high demand among residents navigating steep mountain passes and unpaved rural roads.

When buying a used vehicle, factor in a legal property transfer tax and notary execution fee, usually calculated as a percentage of the vehicle’s government-assessed valuation. Mechanics recommend conducting a thorough pre-purchase inspection to verify chassis integrity, suspension wear, and transmission health. Details on legal registration procedures are explained thoroughly in How to Buy a Car as a Foreigner in Costa Rica.

Automobile insurance consists of two components: mandatory basic liability insurance collected during annual registration, and voluntary comprehensive coverage purchased through local insurance carriers. Comprehensive insurance covers collision damage, theft, flood damage, and third-party liabilities, providing peace of mind when driving in dense urban traffic or remote coastal valleys.

Fuel Costs Annual Taxes and Road Infrastructure Reality

Fuel prices are regulated nationally by the public public service authority ARESEP, meaning gasoline and diesel prices remain uniform across every service station nationwide, eliminating price gouging in remote rural sectors. Fuel costs are generally higher than standard U.S. gas station rates due to embedded national road development taxes.

Every vehicle owner must pay an annual vehicle tax and mandatory liability insurance fee known as the Marchamo every December. The Marchamo cost is determined directly by the official fiscal valuation of your vehicle as recorded in the national property registry. Failing to pay the Marchamo by the December deadline results in heavy monetary fines and potential police confiscation of license plates.

Vehicles must also pass an annual technical safety inspection, formerly called Riteve and currently administered through approved inspection centers. To pass inspection, vehicles must meet strict emissions standards, brake performance thresholds, light alignment rules, and structural safety requirements. Maintenance costs can rise quickly if your vehicle regularly traverses potholed gravel roads, requiring frequent replacement of suspension bushings, tires, and shock absorbers. More information on handling these annual requirements can be found in Understanding the Marchamo (Annual Vehicle Tax) and Riteve in Costa Rica.

Public Transport Buses Trains and Rideshare Options

For those choosing to live without a vehicle, public transportation offers a comprehensive and budget-friendly alternative. An extensive network of long-distance and municipal buses connects virtually every city, town, and rural village across the country. Bus fares are kept intentionally affordable under government rate caps, allowing budget travelers and residents to travel across regions for just a few dollars.

In the Greater Metropolitan Area of San Jose, urban commuter trains managed by INCOFER connect major suburban centers like Heredia, Cartago, and Alajuela to downtown San Jose during peak morning and evening traffic corridors, allowing commuters to bypass congested highway gridlock.

Ridesharing platforms like Uber operate extensively throughout urban hubs and tourist destinations, providing safe, affordable point-to-point transportation. Taxis—distinguished by their bright red paint and official triangular door decals—run on calibrated meters known as marías. Utilizing buses and rideshares for urban errands eliminates vehicle depreciation, insurance premiums, and Marchamo payments from your monthly overhead.

Relocation Logistics International Shipping and Setting Up

Relocating across borders involves upfront administrative fees, international shipping, and initial setting-up expenses that must be factored into your long-term financial calculations.

Moving Personal Belongings and Household Logistics

Deciding whether to ship full container loads of household furniture or travel light with personal luggage depends heavily on the type of rental or home purchase you pursue. Many rental properties come fully furnished, complete with appliances, linens, and kitchenware, minimizing initial setup needs.

If you choose to transport sentimental furniture, personal items, or specialized tools, international door-to-door relocation services become essential. Companies like Sirelo help expats compare verified international moving services, evaluate freight container logistics, and navigate complex customs regulations. Using international movers who understand customs clearing protocols helps prevent costly container storage delays at coastal entry ports like Puerto Limon or Caldera.

Import duties on household goods can be high unless you are relocating under specific residency incentive programs that grant tariff exemptions for personal effects. Calculate potential import duties against the market cost of purchasing local replacement furniture to decide whether international shipping fits your budget.

Settling In and Initial Out of Pocket Expenses

The first ninety days of living abroad carry elevated out-of-pocket expenses as you navigate setup tasks, pay security deposits, buy initial groceries, acquire household essentials, and secure legal translation services. For a complete tactical roadmap covering your initial move, review The Complete Guide to Moving to Costa Rica: Your First 90 Days (2027).

During the initial transition, expect temporary housing costs, short-term vehicle rentals, and higher restaurant expenditures while searching for permanent long-term housing. Legal fees for processing residency applications, apostilling home country birth certificates, obtaining police background checks, and hiring legal counsel add to your initial startup capital needs.

Setting aside an emergency cash buffer equivalent to three to six months of living expenses helps absorb unexpected initial expenses—such as security deposits, home repairs, or emergency travel—without straining your long-term savings.

Financial Management Multi Currency Strategies and Banking

Managing finances in a dual-currency system requires an active approach to foreign exchange rates. The local currency, the colón (plural colones), is used for everyday transactions like public buses, local sodas, farmer’s markets, and utility bills. Meanwhile, large-scale assets, luxury rentals, imported goods, real estate purchases, and high-end tourism activities are priced in United States dollars.

Opening a local bank account provides direct access to convenient electronic payment platforms such as SINPE Móvil—an instant phone-number-based bank transfer system utilized universally by businesses, taxicabs, local vendors, and service providers. To understand account registration guidelines, documentation requirements, and banking policies, read Banking in Costa Rica: A Complete Guide for Foreigners (2027).

Expats who draw income, pensions, or investment returns in foreign currencies should monitor exchange rate trends. Converting foreign currency into colones through local bank platforms or official ATM networks during favorable rate shifts helps stretch your monthly budget while avoiding excessive currency conversion fees charged by foreign credit card issuers.

Sample Monthly Budgets for Different Expat Lifestyles

To translate these individual cost categories into actionable planning figures, the following sample budgets illustrate realistic monthly overhead expectations for three common expat household profiles.

The Frugal Retiree Budget

A single retiree living simply in an inland Central Valley town like Grecia or Atenas can maintain a high quality of life on a streamlined budget. By renting a modest single-bedroom unfurnished apartment slightly outside the town center, relying primarily on natural mountain cross-breezes rather than air conditioning, and doing primary food shopping at the local weekly farmer’s market, monthly expenditures remain modest.

Budget Item	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Rent (1-Bed Apartment, Inland)	$550 – $750
Utilities (Water, ICE Electric)	$60 – $90
Internet & Mobile Services	$50 – $70
Groceries (Feria & Local Produce)	$250 – $350
Public Healthcare (Caja)	$100 – $180
Public Transport & Rideshare	$50 – $80
Leisure, Dining & Misc	$150 – $250
TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET	$1,210 – $1,770

This lifestyle profile takes full advantage of affordable public transportation networks, local sodas, and vibrant community activities. By avoiding high-end tourist establishments, luxury imported goods, and heavy coastal air conditioning usage, single retirees can live comfortably within standard pension allocations.

The Comfortable Expat Couple Budget

A couple living in a modern two-bedroom condo in popular suburban hubs like Santa Ana or a quiet neighborhood near coastal towns like Playas del Coco will experience higher baseline housing, utility, and entertainment costs. Maintaining a reliable four-wheel-drive vehicle, utilizing air conditioning during hot afternoons, and balancing supermarket visits with weekly dining out requires a larger financial commitment.

Budget Item	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Rent (2-Bed Condo or House)	$1,200 – $1,800
Utilities (Water, ICE Electric)	$150 – $300
Fiber Internet, Cable & Mobile	$90 – $130
Groceries (Supermarket & Feria)	$500 – $700
Healthcare (Caja + Private Policy)	$250 – $450
Vehicle Gas, Marchamo & Insurance	$200 – $350
Dining Out, Entertainment & Travel	$400 – $600
TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET	$2,790 – $4,330

This comfortable budget accommodates weekly visits to foreign product supermarkets, occasional weekend coastal getaways, private health clinic visits, and modern residential amenities. It offers a balanced mix of local cultural immersion and familiar Western conveniences.

The Family Lifestyle Budget

Expat families with school-aged children face additional financial commitments, primarily private international school tuition fees, larger residential housing needs, multi-member health coverage, and elevated food consumption. Living in family-friendly neighborhoods near top accredited international schools in Escazu, Heredia, or San Pedro anchors household logistics.

Budget Item	Estimated Monthly Cost (USD)
Rent (3 to 4 Bed Family Home)	$2,000 – $3,200
Utilities (Water, ICE Electric)	$250 – $450
Fiber Internet & Family Mobiles	$120 – $180
Family Groceries & Household Goods	$800 – $1,200
Private School Tuition (per child)	$700 – $1,400
Healthcare (Family Caja & Private)	$350 – $600
Two Vehicles (Gas & Maintenance)	$350 – $600
Extra Curriculars & Leisure	$400 – $700
TOTAL ESTIMATED BUDGET	$4,970 – $8,330

Raising a family requires careful planning around tuition fees, youth recreational activities, multi-car family logistics, and comprehensive health insurance policies. While overall household costs are higher, families enjoy high living standards, excellent educational environments, and an outdoor lifestyle centered around nature, sports, and community living.

By aligning your lifestyle preferences, location choices, and daily spending habits with the regional realities outlined in this guide, you can construct a resilient financial blueprint for your life in Costa Rica. Emphasizing seasonal local ingredients, managing electricity usage wisely, and understanding local administrative systems ensures that your move to paradise remains as financially sustainable as it is rewarding.

Disclaimer

This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute professional advice. Laws, prices and regulations vary by location and change over time. Consult a qualified professional for guidance on your specific situation.