i'm 5'4".
most all of my jeans are from the gap. probably mainly because i used to work there and knew just about everything about them. plus, had the time to try lots of them on. but they sell ankle (short) and now have all sorts of shapes i guess. like straight, curvy, etc.
i've found some decent ones at express & levis also.
if anyone else has something better, let us know!
and as far as cost, i usually try to buy my jeans when they're on sale, when i am ok with spending $50 on an article of clothing, get lucky at goodwill, or definitely from EBAY.