An image forming apparatus according to this invention includes a memory for memorizing a first image forming condition previously set, a comparison unit for comparing the second image forming condition transmitted from a host apparatus with the first image forming condition, and a communication unit for transmitting, in a case where the first and second image forming conditions are different from each other, a prescribed message corresponding to the second image forming condition to a host apparatus, to advantageously utilize image formation under saving modes, such as costs, as intended by managers of, e.g., the image forming apparatus, costs, thereby allowing the operators of the image forming apparatus to automatically know the first image forming condition recommended with the image forming apparatus.