Personally i know Patong can be a hell hope BUT there are many many places onthe second road to stay that will be 50% less than anywhere on the beach road north or south. try CNN or PS right at the top of Soi Bangla 1,400 or so high season.
Kamala has small places RIGHT on the beach for 1,000-2,000 baht/night, restaurants on the beach and small shops nearby and there are a few bars with some girls in them on the beach road and main road
NOT like Patong but ...
Ko Lanta is great in the low season,
in fact I ONLY go there in the low season. We were there last month and the place we usually stay, ( Andaman Lanta resort) was closed for repairs so went up the road a bit and found a nice place, swiming pool/ON The beach for only 450 baht/night (air and hot water)
Plenty of snorkling in low season right in front of the hotels on the man beach ( first beach you come to after you get of the ferry and head out of Saladang town) ONly high tide thou
BUT after the Tsunamai it has not been as good.
Plenty of bungalow opertaions on the beach, just go in and ask