Salary expectations: how do you answer? - 12 months and counting

I do not know whether to give a range or ask for theirs. I do not usually post, so bear with me. I looked up ranges in Sacramento and they vary a lot. Does giving a range hurt?

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

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