The space above cabinetry is little more than a dust collector. I'd recommend 36 and trimmed and to the ceiling, I'd also say that stature of 5'5" is hardly lilliputian, but the best kitchens allow for storage, even for items used less often.. Nobody can truly answer without a kitchen drawing/plan but a 30 inch vs 36 won't save you much money, or even really enhance the kitchen in any way.

select your base cabs carefully...drawers.....size....glides specified for weight... w or w/o plate organization...rollout pantry at 9 inches perhaps...etc. I would approach the nine wall cabs and think about reducing that volume either with fewer, and each a bit bigger...or remove one and insert one floating open shelf....etc. Taller need not be included, and isn't necessarily an improvement....but at eye level, adjustments can help your space aesthetically and in a small space the tweaks will not cost you a dramatic change in the price. Glass doors...different color or wood species....doorless cabinet with matching interior...the floating shelf option , etc. Make the space so you love to spend time and focus on a few details which really pay off in a small kitchen. thinking that Nine is a lot of wall cabinetry, for the kitchen's size..... I might have no basis w that, but look over the selection thoroughly.

36”. Or 39. To the ceiling with molding. No one wants to dust that.

I agree with GreenDesigns. 36" tall, or if you change your mind about going to the ceiling, then 39" tall with 3" of crown molding. You can never have too much storage in a kitchen. Don't get 30" tall cabinets - you will be paying for cabinets that will make your ceiling look lower, cut visually the wall, and provide little storage, and I haven't seen anyone install 30" tall cabinets on this forum in years. Those are usually the ones being ripped out from the 1970s.

As to your height, it makes no difference in this decision. Most women of average height need a step stool for anything above the second shelf, and even for the back of the second shelf, regardless if the cabinets are 30", 36", 39". Your height should not come into the decision.

Also think about resale. 30" tall cabinets are a turn-off for buyers. Not touching the ceiling is a turn-off for many buyers, though not all. I would price out 36" tall vs. 39" tall and see if there is much of a difference in price. Don't forget to include crown molding into the cost.

When cabinets reach the ceiling, they make the kitchen look larger, and the ceiling higher. Just sayin'.

Edited to add one more note: try to get some base drawers into your plan. They are 100 times better than base cabinets with pull-outs. Believe me when I say this. You will be living with this kitchen for years, and love the drawers. Thread about base cabinet drawers

I agree to the ceiling is the best but at least 36” and no your height has little to do with it and there is every reason to maximize storage in a kitchen that small. Since the house is smaller use the cabinets for little used items even if they don’t really belong in the kitchen, no onwe will know. BTW many people live in 1000 sq ft with more than one child.