Negotiating pay when I have been out of work - 3 weeks in

I have been out of work for 3 weeks and feel pressure to accept less. I would rather hear the honest version than the polite one. I also do not want to sell myself short. Does giving a range hurt?

Check several sources for pay in Tulsa, then pick a range where the low end is one you can live with.

Asking about the range for the role first worked for me. Some recruiters share it.