Salary expectations: how do you answer? - first time posting

A recruiter asked for my salary expectations on a first call as I look for work as a project coordinator. It has been a long 7 weeks. I do not want to price myself out. Does giving a range hurt?

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

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