Negotiating pay when I have been out of work - what worked for you?

I do not know whether to give a range or ask for theirs. It has been weighing on me all week. I looked up ranges in Charlotte 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.