Yep, the dehumidifier typically draws only a small fraction of the power needed to operate an air conditioner. The dehumidifier only has to draw some of the moisture out of the air, a much easier job than trying to cool it.
I live in a very humid state and run a dehumidifier during the hot months. In the winter, when I'm not camping I use simple heating units designed to keep humidity down similar to keeping a light bulb on for the heat. Most dehumidifiers have a minimum temperature operating level of maybe 60F or so, at which point they can freeze up and stop being effective.