Negotiating pay when I have been out of work (San Diego)

I have been out of work for 25 weeks and feel pressure to accept less. Any experience at all would help. I do not want to price myself out. How do you research fairly?

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

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