Negotiating pay when I have been out of work

I have been out of work for 22 weeks and feel pressure to accept less. I have been trying to stay organised about it. I looked up ranges in Kansas City and they vary a lot. How do you research fairly?

Benefits matter too. A slightly lower rate with better coverage was better for me.

I gave a range based on local postings and said I was flexible depending on the whole package. They did not push back.